Sir William Milton is one of the forgotten allrounders of Victorian times, but he managed to play international rugby for England and then, after emigrating to South Africa at the age of 24, to play for South Africa in what were the country's first three Tests in 1888-89 and 1891-92. He left for South Africa after joining the Cape Civil Service in 1878, rising to become Administrator of Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) for 16 years until he retired on health grounds in 1914. While there he was instrumental in helping in the spread of sports, especially rugby. He subsequently returned to England before spending his last few years in Cannes. His son, Jumbo Milton, also played rugby for England, but while he played first-class cricket in South Africa, he never made it into the Test side.

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